As a former educator, I have seen firsthand how a strong education and well-supported schools and teachers can open doors and transform lives for students. No matter their ZIP code or economic status, all students deserve the chance to thrive in school.

Our state holds more than 118,000 teachers, more than 1.5 million students and one of the strongest public school systems in the nation. In our 10th District, our schools are at the heart of our communities. Yet, there is more to be done to address the challenges that our students and teachers still face. Too often, disparities in school funding and support mean that students in certain neighborhoods don’t have access to the same quality of education as others.

Make no mistake, as your member of Congress, I will fight for the resources our students and teachers need to succeed. This means supporting federal funding to uplift teachers and address the issues they face head-on, expanding early childhood education programs, and investing in STEM and vocational training that prepares students for the demands of our modern economy. Education is not just a pathway to opportunity; it’s the foundation for our future in Essex, Hudson and Union counties, and beyond.